UR Medicine Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance

Background

The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is one of the nation's top academic medical centers. In 2019, URMC received board approval for its largest capital project in university history — a new offsite, state-of-the-art ambulatory orthopedic center.

Challenge

UR Medicine purchased a vacant Sears building and surrounding property at The Marketplace Mall to serve as the future home for the new ambulatory orthopedic campus. Close coordination with the city to obtain appropriate approvals and permits was required to move the project forward. A phased schedule would be required to successfully execute the project.

Solution

After a competitive RFP process, the University of Rochester selected Hammes as its project management partner. Hammes worked closely with the city to obtain the appropriate approvals and permits to move the project forward, with construction and demolition beginning in 2020. Hammes leveraged a phased approach to complete this complex redevelopment project, which spans 330,000 square feet to provide clinical care, research, education, and community wellness.

The first phase of the project incorporated the 150,000-SF ambulatory surgery center (ASC) with eight operating rooms and additional pre- and post-operative rooms to support the most complex orthopedic surgical procedures in an ambulatory environment. The ASC opened in early 2023. The second phase of the project included the construction of a four-story clinical tower, which houses health and wellness and administrative spaces, and the UR Medicine Center for Human Athleticism and Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention (CHAMPP). The new tower opened to patients in phases, with the final phase completed in December 2023. The UR Medicine Orthopaedics and Physical Performance Center is the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic facility in the Northeastern United States.

Project Milestones

• URMC board approval received in 2019 for the largest capital project in university history.
• Hammes selected as project management partner following a competitive RFP process.
• Construction and demolition began in 2020.
• Phase 1 — 150,000-SF ambulatory surgery center with eight operating rooms — opened in early 2023.
• Phase 2 — Four-story clinical tower housing CHAMPP, health and wellness, and administrative spaces — final phase completed in December 2023.